string::iterator invalidation

[Bazzy]

The ISO standard ( §21.5, 5 ) says:

References, pointers, and iterators referring to the elements of a basic_string sequence may be invalidated
by the following uses of that basic_string object:
— As an argument to non-member functions swap() (21.3.7.8), operator>>() (21.3.7.9), and getline() (21.3.7.9).
— As an argument to basic_string::swap().
— Calling data() and c_str() member functions.
— Calling non-const member functions, except operator[](), at(), begin(), rbegin(), end(), and rend().
— Subsequent to any of the above uses except the forms of insert() and erase() which return iterators, the first call to non-const member functions operator[](), at(), begin(), rbegin(), end(), or rend().

In our reference page for string::replace appears the following code:

  // Using iterators:                      0123456789*123456789*
  string::iterator it = str.begin();   //  ^
  str.replace(it,str.end()-3,str3);    // "sample phrase!!!"
  str.replace(it,it+6,"replace it",7); // "replace phrase!!!"
  it+=8;                               //          ^
  str.replace(it,it+6,"is cool");      // "replace is cool!!!"
  str.replace(it+4,str.end()-4,4,'o'); // "replace is cooool!!!"
  it+=3;                               //             ^
  str.replace(it,str.end(),str4.begin(),str4.end());

It works but is this ill formed?
If I understand correctly it may be invalid after any call of replace

[firedraco]

Hmm...I'd have to agree with you there. It could be invalid...the standard is ambiguous though, probably in case someone comes up with a pwnage algorithm that doesn't invalidate the iterators or something.